Richard was born in Terre Haute, Ind., on Dec. 11, 1935, to the late Robert Dillon Followell and Cora Bell Stilley Followell. He served in the United States Army Reserve and attended Draughon's Business College. Richard worked at Union Carbide and Airco Chemicals until he purchased Followell's Gulf, which he operated for 30 years. He was a member of West End Baptist Church and taught Sunday School at various Baptist churches for over 50 years. Richard was a member of Woodmen of the World and was awarded "Mr. Woodmen" in 1990. He was an avid and skilled bowler, sponsoring the Followell's Gulf team for many years. He also was a dedicated fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Lindsey and the Rev. Terry Sills officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery in Boaz, Ky. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to West End Baptist Church, 324 South 28th Street, Paducah, Ky. 42001.